Accessibility Services

The Libraries are here for you! Our staff is committed to helping you with all of your research needs and making your academic journey a success. We partner with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to ensure students can seek out the libraries as a resource and let us know when they run into challenges that limit their access to our services.

How we can help

Accessible materials

Requesting other Formats

The Libraries partners with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to provide alternate formats of research materials. Reach out to SAS to get started! Once you're established with SAS, you can use the form on our website to request accessible versions of items the library owns.

All members of W&M also have access to Blackboard's Ally Transformer tool in the "Assist" section of the Blackboard website. This service converts files into various accessible formats like PDF, audio mp3, electronic braille, and more.

• Student Accessibility Services
  • Request an accessible version of library-owned materials
• Blackboard Ally File Transformer

Copying and Scanning

Students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) can request the Libraries scan print items into a searchable PDF or rich text format accessible by a screen reader. Self-serve scanners are also available on the first floor of Swem across from the Makerspace.

Submit a request

Topaz OCR

Our Topaz OCR computer enlarges text and images, reads pages aloud, and saves text in a variety of formats. The machine is on the first floor of Swem across from the IT Help Desk.

Faculty Inquiries

Faculty can request the Libraries’ purchase materials in electronic format for a course. We will search for an electronic version with multi-user access to serve the entire campus. However, this may not be possible for many textbooks, depending on the publisher. See the Libraries’ textbook policy for information. 

In accordance with copyright and ADA policies for accessibility, requests must be made by the individual in need of the accommodation. The Libraries cannot fulfill faculty requests on behalf of a student.

Research Services

Research Consultations

Make an appointment with a research librarian for more in-depth research help. To ensure a research librarian will be available and prepared to assist you, please request a session in advance.

• Make an appointment
• Contact us through chat, email and Zoom 

Retrieving Materials

Request items through the catalog and pick them up at the Click & Collect shelves near the circulation desk at the front entrance of Swem.

About Click & Collect

Reserve Extensions

You can extend the due date of your course reserves. Email swresv@wm.edu for help with this service.

Resources for Teaching

William & Mary's Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (STLI) provides a guide for faculty with information on making your courses accessible as well as helpful links to extend your learning about accessibility in teaching.

STLI's Accessibility in Teaching Guide

Spaces & Equipment

Centering Spaces

Our Prayer, Meditation and Centering room on the 2nd floor of Swem has natural light, a white noise machine and sensory objects for when you need a quiet place. For short recharges, we have two pods on the first floor in Read & Relax with screens to block light and built-in speakers to cancel outside noise distractions.

Prayer, Meditation and Centering room

Equipment

The following resources are available at Swem:

• Magnifier and text-to-speech reader (Topaz)
• Macbook laptops
• Scanners
• Headphones

Building Access

The Accessible Parking & Building Access page includes information about elevators, wheelchair access and the location of ADA ramps at the libraries. 

Swem Library has an accessible entrance at the back of the building on Landrum Drive. There are two accessible parking spots directly across from this entrance, and several more in the parking lot directly behind Swem.

All members of the W&M community can use their ID to swipe in at the accessible entrance, or press the call button. 

Service Animals

For the safety and comfort of all who use the facility, only service animals are allowed in library buildings. Please check William & Mary’s Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Pets policy for full information.